Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce: A Delicious and Flavorful Snack

Pretzel bites are a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic snack, and when combined with the tangy goodness of sourdough discard, they are elevated to a whole new level. These Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. Plus, when paired with a homemade Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce, this treat becomes irresistible. Whether you're serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or making them as a savory appetizer, these pretzel bites are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Choose Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites?

Sourdough discard is a byproduct of feeding your sourdough starter, and instead of throwing it away, you can put it to good use in this pretzel recipe. The sourdough adds a slightly tangy flavor to the pretzel bites, giving them a unique twist that regular pretzels simply don’t have. Plus, using sourdough discard helps reduce waste, so it's an eco-friendly baking choice.

These sourdough pretzel bites are chewy, buttery, and golden brown. The honey dijon dipping sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite more flavorful. If you’re someone who loves to bake and experiment with different flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients

For the Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites:

1 cup Warm Water
1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast
170-200 grams Sourdough Discard (approx. 1 cup)
4 cups All-Purpose Flour
2 tsp. Salt
4 tbsp. Melted Butter
8-10 cups Boiling Water
1/2 cup Baking Soda
Flaky Salt (for topping)
Grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup)
Chopped Fresh Sage (about 3-4 tbsp.)

For the Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce:

2 tbsp. Sour Cream
2 tbsp. Mayonnaise
2 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
2 tbsp. Yellow Mustard
2 tbsp. Honey
Juice of 1/2 Lemon

Instructions

1. Making the Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast to ensure it is alive and well. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir lightly to mix the ingredients, and then set the bowl aside for about 5 minutes to let the yeast bloom. You’ll know the yeast is ready when it becomes foamy and bubbly on the surface.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast is bloomed, add the sourdough discard, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Stir until everything is just combined. Then, gradually add 3 cups of flour to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough may look a little rough at first, but that's normal!

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. Add more flour only if necessary – you want a slightly tacky dough that holds its shape but isn’t too sticky.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or plastic wrap and set it in a warm environment. Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Pretzel Bites

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log that’s about 12 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into small pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches long. You’ll have a variety of pretzel bites ready to go.

Step 6: Boil the Pretzel Bites

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line 1 or 2 large baking pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large pot, bring 8-10 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the baking soda to the water. This is the traditional pretzel boiling step that gives the bites their characteristic chewy texture.

Working in batches, drop the pretzel bites into the boiling water. Let them cook for about 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them out so they don’t stick together.

Step 7: Bake the Pretzel Bites

Brush the pretzel bites with an egg wash (just a beaten egg mixed with a little water) to help them get that golden, shiny crust. Then, sprinkle flaky salt on top to give them that classic pretzel flavor. Bake the pretzel bites in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and crisp on the outside. Be sure to rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

2. Making the Sage Parmesan Pretzel Bites

Step 1: Butter the Pretzel Bites

Once the pretzel bites are baked and golden brown, place half of them in a large bowl. Pour melted butter over the bites and toss them to coat. This will give them a delicious buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the Parmesan and sage.

Step 2: Add Parmesan and Sage

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped sage to the buttered pretzel bites. Toss everything together until the pretzel bites are well-coated with the cheese and herbs. The sage adds a fragrant, earthy element, while the parmesan brings a salty richness to the dish.

3. Making the Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce

While the pretzel bites are baking, whip up the honey dijon dipping sauce to complement the savory pretzels. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and honey. Stir everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to the sauce for an extra tangy kick that will balance the sweetness from the honey and the richness of the mustard. Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can thin it out by adding a little water until you reach your desired consistency.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the pretzel bites are done, serve them warm, freshly baked, and ready to be devoured. The warm, cheesy sage-infused pretzel bites pair beautifully with the creamy, tangy Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, an appetizer, or a party dish, these pretzel bites will quickly become a crowd favorite.

For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over the pretzel bites just before serving. The honey dijon sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making each bite even more irresistible.

Tips and Variations

Customizing the Pretzel Bites: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses. Instead of sage, you could use rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile. You could also try using different types of cheese like cheddar, Gruyère, or asiago to change the flavor.
Make It Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the dough. You could also stir a little hot sauce into the honey Dijon dipping sauce for a spicy kick.
Make-ahead Tips: These pretzel bites can be prepped in advance. You can shape the dough into logs and freeze them before boiling and baking. When you’re ready to bake, just boil the frozen dough and continue with the recipe as usual.
Serve with Other Dips: While the honey dijon sauce is perfect, you could also serve these pretzel bites with other dips like cheese sauce, garlic butter, or mustard.
Vegan Option: To make these pretzel bites vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg or egg replacer in place of the egg wash. For the dipping sauce, swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives.

Final Thoughts

These Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites are the ultimate homemade snack. Whether you're looking to use up your sourdough discard or simply craving a delicious, salty snack, these pretzel bites deliver both flavor and fun. The rich, cheesy sage flavor is enhanced by the tangy honey Dijon dipping sauce, making each bite more indulgent than the last.

Perfect for game days, parties, or family gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your sourdough discard, get baking, and treat yourself to a warm, chewy, and flavorful snack that’s truly one-of-a-kind!

With this Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites with Honey Dijon Dipping Sauce recipe, you’ve got a delicious snack that’s fun to make, better than store-bought, and bursting with flavor!

Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bites recipe